Chapter 8 focuses on the role of protected areas in underpinning global human welfare and ways to improve their effectiveness. 8.1 provides an overview of their current status (definition, categories, coverage) and outlines the value and socio-economic potential of ecosystems preserved by protected areas. 8.2 analyses specific benefits and costs associated withprotected areas and presents the results of comparisons at global, national and local levels. 8.3 improving effectiveness through economic evaluation 8.4 provide insights on how economic valuation of protected area costs and benefits can provide useful tools to support their implementation, e.g. by building an attractive case for protection and helping to obtain sustainable and long-term financing. 8.5 addresses the broader context and the importance of multi-level policy support and effective institutional frameworks to secure lasting results. 8.6 draws together key conclusions and presents an enabling framework for protected areas in the future.